Baltic Adventure

Starts
Vilnius, finishes
Helsinki,
13 Days

Decades after the fall of communism, the Baltic countries of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia remain a mystery to most travellers. We’re not complaining, though; more mystery means fewer crowds and an easier time getting to know these fantastic countries. Beginning in charming cobblestoned Vilnius and ending in beautiful Helsinki, this two-week trip gets to the very heart of the region. Get an up-close glimpse of Riga’s castles and art district, experience rural life in Estonia, and venture into the fortresses and medieval architecture of Tallinn before crossing to Finland by ferry. Make the Baltics your special travel secret.

Itinerary

01

Day 1: Vilnius

Arrive at any time. We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this charming city.

There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.

02

Day 2: Vilnius

Visit Trakai Castle. Enjoy optional activities like the Frank Zappa monument, the breakaway Republic of Uzupis, a giant egg statue, the Gediminas tower and castle museum, and the KGB Museum.Spend free time walking through charming old town or searching out artist havens and modern statues.

Multi-faceted, puzzling, a heady mix of old and new, Vilnius has all the glories of a royal past, the troubling reminders of wartime and Communist atrocities and a vibrant forward-looking outlook.

03

Day 3: Vilnius/Nida

Travel by public bus to the UNESCO-listed Curonian Spit. Visit the Parnidis dune in the evening.The Curonian Spit is a long, thin sand dune that separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea. This spit is shared by Lithuania and Kalingrad, Russia's westernmost oblast.

The forested hills used to be the site of dancing and gathering during Pagan festivals. Now, the hills are dotted with wooden statues created by local artists, depicting witches, dragons, and the elements. Some of the statues tell stories of the local legends and folklore, bringing the region to life with their intricate carvings.

04

Day 4: Nida

Enjoy an included bicycle tour around the Hill of Witches and a visit to sea bird colonies.

05

Day 5: Nida/Riga

Cross the border into Latvia and head to the capital, Riga. Options for this charming city include visiting the Occupation Museum, the Riga Art Nouveau Centre, Riga Castle, the Andrejsala artists' district, or just wandering the cobblestone streets.Explore the narrow streets on foot and get better acquainted with the city known as "the Paris of the East". Opt to visit St Peter's Church, where we ascend the spire by lift, for a fantastic view over the city.

06

Day 6: Riga

Enjoy a guided tour and a lunch of treats from the Central Market. Spend a free afternoon exploring the city.

07

Day 7: Riga/Kuressaare

Cross the border to Estonia and get the local experience with three nights on a farm in Saaremaa. In the area there is canoeing on the Nasva river, fishing, and island visits. Opt to travel into the capital of Saaremaa, Kuressare, for a folk evening with traditional music.Saaremaa is a remote island in the Baltic Sea with unique traditions and heritage. Thatched roof houses, stone walls, and windmills make up this fairytale landscape.

Enjoy three nights on a farm outside the main city of Kuressaare.

08

Day 8: Kuressaare

Enjoy a tour of Saaremaa including a visit to the Kaali meteorite lake, bakeries, and windmills. Opt to visit the local breweries.

09

Day 9: Kuressaare

Enjoy a free day to explore. Opt to visit some of the ancient churches or natural sites like the lake, the Panga Cliff, and the Pühatu Springs.

10

Day 10: Kuressaare/Tallinn

Travel to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. Fall in love with this medieval town. Enjoy an included visit to Kadriorg Palace.

11

Day 11: Tallinn

Spend a free day exploring this medieval city. Use your free time to visit the Museum of the Occupation, the Dome Church, the open air museum, go sea kayaking, visit the beaches, or relax in a sauna.

12

Day 12: Tallinn/Helsinki

Travel by ferry to the charming capital city of Helsinki. Enjoy an afternoon in the Scandinavian city with an orientation walk and free time.

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